Wenger reveals Debuchy torment

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits Mathieu Debuchy is “destroyed” and “embarrassed” after it was confirmed the injured defender would endure another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Debuchy has started only nine Barclays Premier League games since joining the Gunners from Newcastle in the summer.

The France full-back was out for three months earlier in the season after undergoing ankle ligament surgery in September and he will now miss the majority of the rest of the campaign with a problem to his right shoulder.

“He is destroyed,” Wenger said. “He is such a keen player, so professional and so willing.

“It is his first year here and of course he is embarrassed. But it is not his fault.”

Debuchy was carried off on a stretcher during Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Stoke last Sunday after he was pushed into the advertising hoardings by Marko Arnautovic.

“The push was not needed,” Wenger added.

“It was a bit unlucky as well because there was a divot after the touchline which may have made it worse.

“Arnautovic did not have a chance to get the ball – I don’t think it was malicious but he had no chance to get the ball so I’m saying it was not needed.

“It’s not obvious what his intention was, I don’t think he wanted to hurt him but I don’t think it was needed.”

Arsenal visit Manchester City on Sunday, hoping to avenge last year’s 6-3 hammering at the Etihad Stadium.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes the Gunners have “the best player in England” in striker Alexis Sanchez, who already has 18 goals in all competitions this season.

“It’s a great compliment because Pellegrini knows football well,” Wenger said.

“I agree with him – at the moment Sanchez is one of the top performers in the league.”

City striker Sergio Aguero could make his first start on Sunday since December 3 after recovering from a knee injury.

The Argentinian has scored 14 goals in 16 league appearances this season and Wenger believes he and Sanchez are two of the country’s top predators.

Wenger said: “There are some other great players but Sanchez and Aguero are two of the best performing since the start of the season.

“Aguero has been less consistent because he’s been injured more – in the last year he has suffered from being a bit in and out but of course he is a world-class player.

“Alexis is full of energy, full of enthusiasm as well. That is what is fantastically refreshing when you see the number of games he’s had to play – he’s always keen to go out and play.

“What everyone admires about him is his game is always full of enthusiasm, a desire to do well, to take people on and fight to get the ball back.